Objection 2: Government mismanagement and corruption siphon off the money.

Even ardent supporters of development assistance acknowledge that corruption is a serious problem. In Zaire, for example, Mobuto Sese Seko embezzled an estimated $5 billion dollars during his 32-year presidency — this in a country where the per capita GNP in 2001 was $99.

"Accountability" and "transparency" — these are the watchwords of those who argue that corruption isn't reason enough to cut off assistance. Proponents of aid say that both donor nations and aid recipients can be held to higher standards.